There’s something truly special about the joy a wagging tail or gentle purr can bring. For many of us, animals are more than just companions—they’re family, friends, and even healers. At Morning Pointe Senior Living, we’ve long recognized the powerful connection between people and pets, and it’s why we’re always thrilled to welcome some of our favorite volunteers—the four-legged kind!
Whether it’s the comfort of a cat nestled in your lap or the excitement of a dog performing tricks, animals bring energy and emotional wellness that can’t be matched. In fact, research continues to support what many of our residents already know from experience: spending time with animals can significantly improve mental and physical health, especially for seniors.
The Healing Power of Pet Therapy
Studies show that interacting with animals can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even decrease feelings of loneliness. The simple act of petting a dog or cat releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, while reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. For seniors who may be experiencing the challenges of aging or memory loss, these moments of connection are not just comforting—they’re therapeutic.
More Than Just a Visit
At Morning Pointe, our life enrichment and Lantern memory care teams intentionally include animal visits in our monthly calendars, knowing the tremendous impact they can have. Whether individuals bring in their personal pets or businesses such as local shelters, zoos, or pet stores share their animals for enrichment and education, these visits spark joy, create meaningful moments, and often bring back fond memories of past pets and happy times.
For residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, pet therapy can be especially powerful, helping to stir memories, ease agitation, and improve mood.
You’ll often find our residents lighting up as a dog trots into the room or laughing when a curious pup rolls over for belly rubs. Some residents even look forward to giving treats or watching obedience tricks—an engaging way to stay active and involved.
We are so grateful to the many volunteers who generously share their well-behaved pets with our communities. Your time, kindness, and love make a difference—and your animals are truly a gift.
Interested in Volunteering with Your Pet?
We always welcome new furry (and feathered and scaly!) friends to our Morning Pointe communities. If you have a calm, friendly pet who enjoys people and would like to brighten the day for our residents, we’d love to hear from you!
Visit https://morningpointe.com/volunteer/volunteer-application/ to learn more and apply.
Because at Morning Pointe, every wag, woof, and whisker makes life a little more joyful—for everyone.
